SB7 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Athletic Commission, slap fighting prohibited; Attorney General authorized to bring action for violations, certain violations constitute Class C felony

Summary

SB7 would ban slap fighting in Alabama, empower enforcement by the Alabama Athletic Commission and the Attorney General, and establish criminal and civil penalties for violations, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

SB7 defines slap fighting and prohibits it in the state, while preserving a narrow exception for amateur boxing or wrestling events governed by certain organizations. It authorizes the Attorney General to file civil actions to stop violations and allows the Alabama Athletic Commission to enforce the ban through cease-and-desist orders, license actions, and administrative fines. It creates criminal penalties for violations (Class C felonies for promoters and certain officials; Class B or A misdemeanors for participants and unlicensed activity) and allows civil fines (up to $25,000 per violation and up to 15% of prize money) with funds directed to the Commission. The act would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Promoters, managers, matchmakers, licensees, and others who organize or promote slap fighting would face criminal penalties (Class C felonies) for knowingly violating the ban and could incur civil fines (up to $25,000 per violation plus up to 15% of the purse) and AG civil action.
• Athletes and other participants in unarmed combat (professional and amateur boxers, wrestlers, MMA competitors, bare-knuckle and similar events) who participate in slap fighting or violate licensing requirements would face penalties including Class B or Class A misdemeanors, plus possible civil fines and purse penalties structured by the act.

Key Provisions

• Definition of slap fighting and a state ban, with an explicit exception that amateur boxing/wrestling events governed by listed organizations are not subject to this article.
• Enforcement and penalties: grants the AG civil action authority, outlines Commission powers (cease/desist, license actions, fines up to $10,000 per violation), and establishes criminal penalties (Class C felonies for promoters/officials; Class B/Misd for participants) plus civil fines up to $25,000 and up to 15% of purse; funds go to the Alabama Athletic Commission Fund; effective date October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards